June 2-3, 2012
Shelter Island, NY
The Shelter Island Yacht Club, Shelter Island, NY, hosted the second of four events in the Etchells Atlantic Championship Series over the weekend of June 2-3. Twenty boats competed in the event and the race committee was able to navigate a variety of conditions on Noyac Bay to complete seven races.
Racing on Saturday commenced on time with a fresh 15-18 knot Southerly thanks to an overnight storm. The conditions moderated and shifted west as the day went on. Competitors completed four races in total on the day. Steve Girling, Ched Proctor and Dave Lutian sailing USA 1200, Lion Heart, led after the first day thanks to a bullet in race one and consistent finishes throughout the day. Tomas Hornos and crew sailing USA 1085, Team Doyle, were in second and well positioned to make a run on day two. Saturday evening found the racers on the front lawn of the Shelter Island Yacht Club where the club treated competitors to a traditional BBQ and a cold keg of local beer. A fun night was had by all.
The conditions on Sunday were more consistent with a 10-12 knot oscillating Westerly holding on for much of the day. Day 2 featured a very tight fleet with numerous competitors in the front pack. At the end of the regatta first through third place was separated by two points. Steve Girling and crew aboard USA 1200, Lionheart, held on for a one point win victory over Tomas Hornos and crew aboard USA 1085, Team Doyle. In third place, only two points out of first was reigning North American Champion, CAN 1396, Hank Lammens.